SHAME is a thought provoking drama that some viewers will find tough to watch.  It features an emotional and dynamic performance by Michael Fassbender.   His turn as Brandon makes the film worth watching even though a few will be turned off by the sexually driven nature of SHAME, but the nudity and sex is needed to show the world of a sex addict who doesn't want to depend on anyone and show emotions (hence why SHAME is NC-17).  His attempts to have a normal relationship and discard his addiction isn't as easy as he thinks.  It is so easy for him to slip into old habits.   His sister, Sissy (Carey Mulligan) , is the polar opposite of Brandon.  she wants to show off her emotion and latch onto anyone with her needy nature.  She wants a closer relationship with her brother who doesn't want to feel responsible for her.   The act of her showing up at his apartment (in need of a place to stay) is the catalyst for the events in SHAME.   It exposes Brandon and he finds his solitary existence shattered.   Some may find Brandon's world cold, but I see his world as one full of inner turmoil and the music and the nighttime runs showcase the emotions wanting to break through Brandon's surface.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The five featurettes on the disc feature a lot of overlap that it could have easily been edited down into one featurette.

FOCUS ON MICAHEL FASSBENDER- Fassbender talks about Brandon and the story arc of his character

DIRECTOR STEVE McQUEEN- McQueen talks about the movie

TEH STORY OF SHAME- Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, and McQueen say what attracted them to the movie and talk about the story of the movie

A SHARED VISION-  Fassbender and McQueen talk to each other about their collaboration on this film

FOX MOVIE CHNNEL PRESENTS: IN CHARACTER WITH MICHAEL FASSBENDER- a five minute interview with Fassbender for SHAME

Also included is the theatrical trailer.   In the set is also a DVD version of the film and the ability to download a digital copy of the movie.

FINAL ANALYSIS:   SHAME is a dark destructive tale with an emotionally charged performance by Michael Fassbender.  The transfer is rich and colorful with some good dark values.   I wish the extras were better, but that doesn't detract from this haunting drama.

this Blu-ray review is (c)4-22-2012 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission.  send all feedback@enterline-media.com